Simplicity: Tis a Gift To Be Simple
September 20, 2025
https://easttexasamblers.com/workshop/

If you find yourself here, you've heard the name Charlotte Mason. Maybe you know she encouraged time outside, or used books to teach many subjects, but you’re not sure her ideas could help you or your children.

Whether you’re homeschooling or not, Charlotte Mason’s wisdom centers on who children are and what they need, which transcends beyond education, impacting our parenting and the culture of your home.

If you’re curious to learn how Miss Mason’s philosophy can inspire wonder, build connection, and foster good habits, I hope you’ll consider joining me for a summer discussion group!

We’ll meet 3 to 6 times between June-August. It’s free, we’ll meet at a public location in Richardson, you can come once or every time, and there will be no pre-reading required.

“Our aim in education is to give a full life.” -Charlotte Mason, School Education pg. 171

Saturday, July 19, 2025 in Seymour, TN

We are excited to announce the first year of Inspiration and Delight, a conference for Charlotte Mason educators, featuring Donna-Jean Breckenridge as our keynote speaker on the topics of atmosphere, discipline, and life. Charlotte Mason said we are limited to using these three tools in the education of our children. Understanding these fundamental ideas is essential to following her philosophy and method, but it can be difficult to fully grasp these concepts. Breakout sessions with Lani Siciliano (language arts and narration), Jeannette Tulis (nature study), and RaeAnna Goss (music) are also scheduled. We hope you will be able to join us for this day of encouragement – a day that will refresh your understanding of Charlotte Mason’s principles and renew your delight in this way of educating and living.

Register now!

Dear family in Jesus, 🙂

My husband, Peter, is the teacher for this pod. He is trained under Ampleside. And Joanna is the mom who is hosting it in her home. You will find her lovely blog here: http://heartforchristschools.blogspot.com/2025/02/our-journey-with-glenbrook-christian.html.

The reason I’m excited to share this learning pod opportunity with families is because I think that they would appreciate its uniquely nurturing and Christ centered setting. Because it is very small, the children receive quality attention to help them flourish in every way. The learning experience encourages them to interact with Jesus in every moment and idea as they discover their full and beautiful design in His likeness.

Look forward to meeting you and your child in person! I will have the pleasure and honor to be spending time with the little ones during open house. I have been practicing as a psychotherapist for more than 15 years.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about this and please do share widely!

Hosted by Arcadia Park Schole, an 8-year CM co-op community in Fort Worth, this workshop will present encouragement and advice for starting and maintaining CM communities. Saturday, April 12, 9:30am-1:30pm, Arlington, TX, $25. For more information, please submit request and/or see the details and registration form at the link provided.

Does a getaway to enjoy time with family, nourishing friendships, spiritual refreshment, and respite from the daily routine sound good to you? Then come join us – families who embrace the Charlotte Mason philosophy – at the 2025 Charlotte Mason Family Camp. We feature morning sessions for both parents and children, daily nature walks with nature journaling, nourishing al fresco meals, a beautiful lake for boating and fishing, an array of afternoon occupations, hymn and folk singing as well as folk dancing, bonfires, a maker’s market and a family showcase to display what was learned in the 2024-25 school year.

Planning for the 2025 event which occurs August 11-15 is under way. Please check out the following website for more information: https://cmpeoria.com/family-camp-22/. You can also find photos, testimonials, and much more at #charlotte_mason_family_camp on Instagram as well as Charlotte Mason Family Camp on Facebook.
Registration begins Saturday, February 15.

Come get inspired and excited about the new school year with like-minded families!

Join Sonya Shafer and other great Charlotte Mason speakers for this special gathering designed to encourage and equip you as you homeschool the Charlotte Mason way. This year’s event is focused on helping you spread the feast in the enrichment subjects—art, music, poetry, and more.

We're excited to present Rooted & Grounded: A Charlotte Mason Conference featuring the inspiring Amber O'Neal Johnston, renowned author, speaker, blogger, and Charlotte Mason educator! 📚✨

📅 It’s on October 10–11, 2024 - Thursday evening and Friday morning

📍It’ll be on our campus. We’re located at 1844 Teri Road, Austin, TX 78744.

The conference focus is “Sparking Curiosity and Delight in Childhood.” We’ll explore a path that supports academic growth while sparking curiosity in childhood. Learn how to spread an inspiring feast of ideas and come alongside your kids and students as they dive deeply into the passions and interests that make them come alive!

📝 To learn more and register, visit our Eventbrite page - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1014862730747?aff=oddtdtcreator. We’d be so grateful if you could share about the conference with your community!

As an expression of our gratitude for sharing the event, we’d love to offer your school/group/community a $10 discount. The discount code is ThankYou.

About Our Keynote Speaker - Amber O'Neal Johnston

Amber O’Neal Johnston is an author, speaker, and Charlotte Mason home educator who blends life-giving books and a culturally rich environment for her four children and others seeking to do the same. She recommends we offer children opportunities to see themselves and others reflected in their lessons, especially throughout their books, and she’s known for sharing literary “mirrors and windows” on HeritageMom.com and @heritagemomblog (IG & FB). Amber is also the author of Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy-Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture, and A Place to Belong, a guide for families of all backgrounds to raise kids to celebrate their heritage, community, and the world.

Save the Date! Join us in Washington, IL for our CM Winter Retreat titled, RESTORING FREEDOM: Honoring Individual Families within Charlotte Mason's Principles. February 21-22, 2025. We are honored to have Leah Boden, author of Modern Miss Mason, traveling all the way from England to share with and inspire us! Registration opens November 1st at cmpeoria.com

Brightside is currently seeking a Full-Time Elementary Teacher for the 2024-2025 school year. Brightside is a unique educational initiative fueled by curiosity, nature and play. We are seeking a dedicated educator to join our team and provide an inspiring educational experience for 4-10 children ranging from preschool to 5th grade. Our educational philosophy is deeply influenced by relational education, emphasizing lifelong learning, respect, excellence, and joy. Please send your applications to sarajoshto@gmail.com with Subject: Elementary Teacher at Brightside

Expectations:
- Embrace and implement the Charlotte Mason philosophy and pedagogy, which emphasizes the importance of immersive literature, nature study, and hands-on learning. Her ideas are based on the belief that children are born persons with their own unique personalities, interests, and abilities.
- Model habits of respect, excellence, and joy in all interactions.
- Explore CM's original writings to enhance teaching methods.
- Maintain classroom cleanliness and order.
- Cultivate an environment of kindness and calm, focusing on aiding students in mastery.
- Promote a discrimination-free learning environment.
- Serve as a role model in speech, mannerism, discipline, dress, and performance.
- Be comfortable with a curriculum that uses few textbooks and requires teachers to master and teach their subjects without the usual educational aids and lesson guides.

Training & Meetings:
- Participate in Charlotte Mason Institute’s CORE training, an 8-week program with weekly assignments and discussions (schedule based on hire date, costs will be covered by us).
- Access resources from Alveary, including tutorials and webinars.
- Attend inservice days and training sessions as required.
- Complete CPR and abuse training.
- Engage in Parent Training events and regular tutor meetings.

Lesson Planning:
- Collaborate on lesson planning, following the CM-inspired Alveary curriculum.
- Plan lessons one week in advance and communicate adjustments promptly.
- Implement the Method of a Lesson.
- Instruct in many areas of study, covering 12-16 subjects a week, in addition to cultivating habits such as attention, courtesy, honesty, thoroughness, accuracy, and punctuality.

Evaluation:
- Collaborate with the Director or consultant to evaluate and enhance teaching methods.
- Maintain an open-door policy for parents and Board members.

Substitutes:
- Coordinate substitutes when necessary.
- Ensure substitutes have lesson plans and required materials.
- Follow guidelines for substitute payments.

Communication:
- Maintain regular communication with parents through emails and parent conferences.
- Respond promptly to parent/tutor/Director/board communication.

Administering Examinations:
- Assist with evaluating Alveary exam questions, administering exams, and grading exams.
- Utilize designated days for grading and communication.

Atmosphere:
- Foster an atmosphere of respect, excellence, and joy.
- Align with Brightside’s values and guidelines.

Requirements:
- Candidates must have a commitment to education and learning, love learning, hold the authority of teacher, and know or demonstrate an eagerness to come to know Charlotte Mason’s philosophy of education.
- Candidates must be willing and eager to live in a community by leading with gratitude, making and keeping commitments, being honest, and always hospitable.
- Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree; a teaching certificate is not required.
- Demonstrated experience with and love for children.
- Passion for lifelong learning.

Brightside Provides the Following:
- Separate housing is available for candidates who prefer to live on-site and can be included as part of the compensation package.
- A curriculum outline based upon CMI’s Alveary, with adjustments as needed.
- Advice on curriculum and scheduling.
- All training and videos in Alveary.
- Tutor training and payment for any required training.
- Excellent training and expectation-setting.
- Regular feedback and support.
- All necessary furniture and supplies for the classroom.
- Consulting as needed.
- An uplifting and encouraging community passionate about making a difference in the lives of our students, families, and one another.

CA: An At Will State
As an at-will state, we operate on a trial basis for the first 30 days. If for some reason the relationship is not mutually beneficial, there is freedom for either party to end it.

If you have a passion for education, a love for children, delight in learning, reading, and studying, and if you are developing a passion for Charlotte Mason’s philosophy, we invite you to apply!

Please send your applications to sarajoshto@gmail.com with Subject: Elementary Teacher at Brightside

Informal group of families. Meet once a month. Do enrichments studies together: musician, recitation, nature study, artist, hymn, handicraft. Meet at a local Bible camp or local parks. 2 1/2 - 3 hours. Includes free/snack time

This FREE event is hosted by TVCMC (see separate CMIC entry) from 10 am - 3 pm, for parents who are:
~ considering homeschooling & looking for a starting point
~ interested in learning more about CM's Educational Philosophy & Practices
~ new to using CM at home & want inspiration and tips from moms who have done this "in-real-life"
Please join us for an exciting Saturday to learn all about Charlotte Mason's timeless educational philosophy, as well as demonstrate her method through multiple ***immersion lessons*** (see below). We're also arranging a Q&A panel with moms who have been implementing CM for years, so bring those narration and math questions!
We'll learn about who Miss Mason is, why we listen to her advice about home education, and yes, even parenting.
We'll also hear about where she thinks God fits into education, and what THREE instruments a teacher can use with her students. As CM says, "All education is self-education," so we'll share multiple resources with you to further your own self-education, including books, podcasts, websites, etc. Bring your note-taking materials!!

SCHEDULE:
9:55 am - doors open
10 am - Welcome & Check-In
10:15 am - CM 101 (Erin T.)
11:15 am - Artist Study ***Immersion Lesson*** (Miriam A.)
11:35 am - History ***Immersion Lesson*** (Kathy D.)
11:55 am - Roundtable: What to Expect Your First Year of CM Homeschooling
12:15 pm - Lunch / bring a sack lunch, or grab something local
1 pm - Introduction to Narration (Kathy D.)
1:45 pm - Giving Life to a CM Day (Miriam A.)
2:15 pm - How to Schedule a CM Timetable (Erin T.)
2:35 pm - Roundtable: Q & A
3 pm - Close & Thank You

*** Immersion lessons are where the hostesses prepare a lesson for you, the attendee, to experience as the student. Then afterwards, we'll discuss how it's done, from a teacher's perspective.***

REGISTRATION LINK: https://forms.gle/FdY4H2CUSPdEdHTV6

Does a getaway to enjoy time with family, nourishing friendships, spiritual refreshment, and respite from the daily routine sound good to you? Then come join us – families who embrace the Charlotte Mason philosophy – at the 2024 Charlotte Mason Family Camps. We feature morning sessions for both parents and children, daily nature walks with nature journaling, nourishing al fresco meals, a beautiful lake for boating and fishing, an array of afternoon occupations, hymn and folk singing as well as folk dancing, bonfires, a maker’s market and a family showcase to display what was learned in the 2023-24 school year.

Planning for the 2024 event which occurs August 12-16 is under way. Please check out the following website for more information: https://cmpeoria.com/family-camp-22/.
Registration begins Monday, February 19.

Come get inspired and excited about the new school year with like-minded families!

An encouraging and equipping weekend of Immersions and workshops featuring speakers, A Delectable Education, Michelle Howard the Living Books Lady, Jessica Becker and Kelsi Rea.

Join us at our 2024 annual gathering from July 25-27, 2024, in Wilmore, Kentucky! This conference will be a time of exploration and growth as we unpack Charlotte Mason’s ideas on handwork, life skills, and the joy of making. We’ll study the impact of creative work and discuss how artistry connects to many areas of the feast, sometimes in surprising ways. Our sessions will honor the old and embrace the new, and of course, we’ll live out what we teach as makers of beautiful and useful things! We hope to see you there! For those who are unable to join us in person, there will be a virtual option - more details coming soon!

Awe and Wonder Time is a website subscription of me sharing my heart to help children develop a sense of awe and wonder about God's handiwork in HIS creation. Simply pointing children to the truths God's creation reveals daily to us about the Triune God, their love, and why God created this world for those who believe in HIM. Learning to look at the world with observant eyes watching for God's creation to reveal simple and complex truths instead of just walking through their days unaware of the amazing beauty, miracles, truths, and gifts each day holds. The subscription includes 2 new videos each week; between 2 and 5 minutes in length for a total of 8 each month. I would love to have your family join Awe and Wonder Time.

Connect with likeminded mom's as we discuss the book, In Vital Harmony by Karen Glass. We will meet Tuesday, May 23rd & June 6th at 6:30 p.m. in Weaverville, N.C. The goal of the discussion will be to gain a deeper understanding of the philosophy of a Charlotte Mason education for our children and ourselves. She described her approach to education as, “Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life.” Members will purchase the book to read and are encouraged to take notes or jot down questions to bring to the discussion. During the meeting, we will take turns sharing our thoughts about the book, what we learned, and how we related to the material.

“It is no arbitrary reward which is attached to the assembling of two or three together; we warm ourselves at each others’ fires, and glow with the heat we get. Let but the heads of two or three families meet together to talk over the bringing up of their children, and the best and wisest parents will go home with new insight, renewed purpose, and warmer zeal. ‘We shall learn by degrees that education is, like religion, a social principle as well as an individual duty; and, meeting on this higher ground, we shall find out the best of one another as we never should in the common intercourse of business or society.'”
Charlotte Mason, editorial note, Parents’ Review, March 1890

Join us for a day full of wisdom and encouragement with Nancy Kelly of Sage Parnassus. Together we will dive into what Charlotte Mason said about habits, schedule and atmosphere and how to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to create peace in our homes. Refresh your mind and body as we hike together in the beautiful St. Croix Valley. Be inspired to continue the great work of the education of your children "As Unto the Lord''.

An annual retreat for Charlotte Mason Educators in Central Ohio. We typically have a teen track as well as sessions for parents. July 14-15, 2023

Join us for a day full of wisdom and encouragement with Nancy Kelly of Sage Parnassus. Together we will dive into what Charlotte Mason said about habits, schedule and atmosphere and how to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to create peace in our homes. Refresh your mind and body as we hike together in the beautiful St. Croix Valley. Be inspired to continue the great work of the education of your children "As Unto the Lord''.
https://acharlottemasongathering.square.site/

Join us in the beautiful driftless region, with Karen Glass, for a winter retreat full of new relationships and new ideas. Rest. Reflect. Rejuvenate.

A living books conference featuring A Delectable Education, Truth Quest History, Michelle Howard, Kelsi Rea of Heritage Christian Academy. Friday Immersion classes, and workshops Saturday. A Whole Foods menu.

Charlotte Mason NW facilitates community and encouragement though annual conferences in the Pacific Northwest. Please visit the website and join our mailing list to stay updated on future events.

An educator's retreat focused on sharing and discussing Charlotte Mason, her educational philosophy and methods. Join us in Central Indiana at Highland Lakes Camp & Conference Center. Spouses & Teens welcome. This event happens every other year in February.

February 2-3, 2024
"Much May Be Done with Sparrows"
Featured Speaker - Karen Glass
Narration Workshop on Friday am

Come take a walk in the forest, chat with friends in the lodge, listen to talks, and participate in discussions and immersions that will inspire, encourage, and revive your heart, mind, and spirit.

Building Community, Providing Motivation, Inspiring Self-Education, and Encouraging Reflection for God's Glory.